WHAT IS WITH THIS?!?!?!?! (PIOG)

[dazybug2]

I went to my routine OB yesterday...I'm dilated to 3 (she could push me to a 4), 80% effaced (scar tissue from cryo is a non-issue), and my cervix is "at the midline" (I had to get that one explained to me...apparently its aimed the right way...during dilation etc your cervix moves from facing toward your bum to facing toward birth canal)...so even before she stripped my membranes she said I was READY!!! Then stripped membranes and I was having contractions like crazy last night....went from 15 min apart to 8 min apart....

THEN THEY STOPPED around bed time?!?!?!?

WHAT IS WITH THAT?!?!?!?

Is it normal????? I mean they were full blown early labor contractions, feeling them from the back around to the front, whole tummy in a tight little ball....lasting about 25-30 secs on avg....then STOP?!?!?

I'm thinking I must have had a few minor ones in the night, cuz when I would get up to go pee, I could feel that my stomach was sore. I've had precious few contractions today....just lately a few that are mild and short and about 20 min apart. I just wanna know if anyone else has had this happen...my mom said maybe its just my body helping me not have to work so hard for a long period of time?!?! I dunno....

Sorry so long....ADVICE PLEASE!!!!

THANKS!!!

[MamaMadge]

Stripping of the membranes will not start labor if it's not ready to start!!!!  It does cause painful contractions and it might get things going, but in my experience, it usually just causes painful braxton hicks and doesn't dilate the cervix.

You are definitely at an advantage when your labor starts, and you should progress quickly, but unfortunately, sometimes you have to wait until your baby/body are ready!!  Good luck.  Try to rest and stay well hydrated!

[HeatherN3Boys]

Cervical irritation can cause contractions, especially when paired with sweeping of the membranes.  The sweeping of the membranes causes the release of prostaglandins which may help move things along, but as the previous poster noted, if you're not ready to go, it's not going to force you into labor.  If you're already 3-4, you're doing well.  Anxiety and excitement are completely counter-productive in labor as adrenaline squashes the hormones your body needs to release to get labor going and keep it going.  The more you can relax and let go, the better your chances that when contractions start again, you'll be able to keep them going and have your baby.  Try massage - a prenatal massage with a certified professional can work wonders.  Even if it doesn't get labor going, you will walk out feeling better than you have in a long time, I promise!  Warm showers or baths - just be careful not to raise your body temperature, especially for extended periods of time.  Walk leisurely.  Have sex.  Above all: relax.  Your baby is very smart and knows the perfect day to be born.  :-)